Page 47 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2023 SPECIAL CRUISE EDTION

“Today I understand the true dynamics of my
relationship with the people who come to see
me. They don’t need me at all. They can go see
anyone they want. But I need them desper-
ately, and it only makes sense that I make time
to meet them or to listen to one of their sto-
ries.”
Estrin also enjoys his opportunity to mix
with other musicians. He will sit in with other
bands for a couple of songs, but he also enjoys
catching up with friends he rarely has time for
face-to-face exchanges.
“You find yourself swapping stories with
guys you’ve known for decades,’ says Estrin,
who is known for sitting at the Lido buffet late
into the night drinking coffee and catching up
with friends. “We see each other at festivals,
but usually we can only talk for a few minutes
here or there. Here, you can really relax and
enjoy the company.”
On the Sea of Cortez cruise, Estrin said he
was happy to get the chance to hang out with
Marquis Knox, a young St. Louis guitar player.
“It was the first time I really had a chance to
talk to him,” he says.
The last night of her cruise, Somayaji mar-
veled at how inspired the ship’s crew seemed
to be. They were dancing in the aisles as they
served drinks and seemed to be enjoying the
music as much as anyone.
Anyone other than her, of course.
Weeks after the cruise she continued to
count the ways her experience superseded her
expecations. And, she was already making
plans for her next blues cruise.

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